Finally, with all due respect and gratitude, give a listen to Robert Johnson.

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London Ed responds:

No problem with ‘cultural appropriation’, which is the way all culture has been transmitted for millennia. Note Robert Johnson wore a pin stripe suit. And played an instrument that originated in Spain.

Re Clapton:

(1) Guitar. Page captures nicely the quarter tones of the Delta Blues, see e.g. the opening bars of this. Clapton follows more closely the Western diatonic classical scale so it’s not authentic sounding blues for me.

BV: Ed touches on an interesting set of questions that I don't have time to tackle at the moment. But just to add to the data set: Charles Adnopoz, Robert Zimmerman, Michael Bloomfield. Three Jews from comfortable backgrounds who sought authenticity in the music of the down and out and dispossessed.

Admittedly, Clapton is not singing from the dark depths of a tormented soul. And if you saw Clapton at a crossroads flagging a ride, you'd pick him up for sure; if you saw someone who looked like Robert Johnson, though, you'd probably pass him by.